The importance of training and education in smaller Icelandic tourism companies
Iceland has a lot to offer when it comes to nature, recreation and services but the number of tourists in Iceland has increased in recent years and it has been difficult for the tourist industry to keep up with this development. Thus, there has been a lack of competence and skills in the industry, lack of education and organization of training within companies. I am researching, for my Bachelor’s thesis in Tourism studies, educational work in smaller tourism companies in Iceland and the possibilities and challenges of training. 

​Part of our Exploring Iceland Fair Trade policy is that we are proud to give back to society. We do this i.e. by supporting university students from all over the world who base their studies on Iceland´s economy, wildlife and social structures.

We are happy to introduce another wonderful student to you, this time from Greece: Meet Iro Tsarmpopoulou-Fokianou and her studies on the relationships between whales and humans. 

As Exploring Iceland is a company which strictly condemns the hunting of whales , we are happy and proud to support Iro and her studies

Now that we are facing another 10-12 weeks of dire life with and around covid 19 and its restricting rules we all could probably easily name lots of negative effects on our life. But let´s try to concentrate for a short moment on some of the (few) positive impacts it has had as well! Here in Iceland is it obvious that so many families have found a new love for the outdoors: walking, hiking, jogging, skiing – you name it! With fitness centers and swimming pools closed or operating on limited capacity, people have found other ways to stay active out in the open.

At Exploring Iceland we are proud to give back to society. Part of this is the support for university students from all over the world that base their studies on Iceland´s economy, wildlife and social structures. We are happy to introduce them to you:  

Hello, my name is Giulia König, I am 21 years old and I study at the Eberhardt Karls University in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. I will become a teacher for geography and politics in the future.

​I have been so lucky to meet new friends on our hotel riding tours in Iceland.  When travelling in very small groups (2-4 guests) we get to know our fellow riders well and they become long life friends! Many have returned every year.  Although dinner is not included on our hotel riding tours we always try to spend at least one evening all together, either at a local restaurant or at the hotel and usually on the last evening on the tour.  A good farewell dinner sharing stories about our horses and horsemanship are not to be missed!  

 Iceland´s flora is made of only approximately 490 wild vascular plants – a much smaller number than in neighboring Scandinavia or Britain which is surprising because these countries have harsh climates, too. So there must be more reasons for these limited quantity of species. Compared to other more southernly countries there has been a rather short length of time since glacier ice covered most of Iceland.  ​Some scientists say that the whole of Iceland was covered in ice during the last ice age which ended roughly 10 000 years ago, others believe that some plants may have survived on so called “nunataks” standing out of the ice.

​Autumn is the time when nature slows down and prepares for winter. In Iceland autumn often starts early at least in comparison with the mainland of Europe. Depending on where you are in Iceland the first signs of autumn can be noticed as early as Mid August. While people in Germany or France often enjoy a typical hot August day at the beach or at the outdoor café, Icelanders need to put on another layer and rescue the potatoes from their garden patch as first night frosts are not uncommon as soon as September starts looming. You can even get the first beautiful northern light displays during that time. 

​When I was growing up in the seventees my mom was a stay – at – home mom like most moms in Iceland.  The food was prepared from scratch, mostly meals based on fish but lamb on Sundays.  For mid-day coffee she usually baked either „kleinur“, pancakes or simple cakes.  Oohhh those were the days, warm cakes and cold milk after being playing all day outside.

Today´s blog is about the one and only Icelandic „Kleina“. 

Self drive tours in Iceland are the ultimate way to explore the island for those that prefer to travel independently. You will have the total freedom and flexibility to get to places off the beaten track, and then spend as much time as you want while enjoying greater comfort and privacy. Getting around Iceland is easy - roads are well marked and ​especially during summer driving is easy as long as you stick to the main roads. ​

​In every little village in Iceland there are at least four „places“ to be found:  
 
1. Swimming pool 
2. Football/soccer field 
3. Golf course 
4. Horse stables/Riding club with oval track, community house and preferrably riding hall

​No surprise as riding is one of the most popular sports in Iceland and socializing